SmarterTravel.com: Ed Perkins: Ed Perkins on Travelhttp://www.smartertravel.com/all/?content_type=column&column_type=perkins_on_travel&source=rss
Ed Perkins: Ed Perkins on TravelSun, 02 Aug 2015 18:22:54 +0000Sun, 02 Aug 2015 18:22:54 +0000The Truth About Consolidator FaresTravel expert Ed Perkins dispels common myths and misconceptions about consolidator fares, and provides guidelines for buying such tickets.http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/the-truth-about-consolidator-fares.html?id=9581452&source=rss
edTue, 08 Nov 2011 16:15:14 +0000Put the Phone Camera to Use and Avoid HeadachesThese days, when so many wireless phones have cameras, documenting a potential problem is easy. Yes, that phone can sometimes save you real money: When in doubt, take a picture.http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/put-the-phone-camera-to-use-avoid-headaches.html?id=9505164&source=rss
edTue, 01 Nov 2011 13:34:33 +0000Priceline Made Easy? New Tool Helps Secure Best PriceEd Perkins on a new website, and a few new tools, that make "blind buying" a piece of cake.http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/priceline-made-easy-new-tool-helps-secure-best-price.html?id=9370355&source=rss
edWed, 19 Oct 2011 15:28:41 +0000New Security Initiative Raises Many QuestionsBig changes are in the offing at the TSA. But will a new initiative fix the problems ... or just add to them? Ed Perkins takes a serious look at the future of airport security.http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/consumer-alert-ed-perkins-dissects-the-tsa-new-airport-security-program.html?id=9267456&source=rss
edWed, 12 Oct 2011 17:45:44 +0000Ed Perkins on Travelocity, VoucherCodes.com Flash Sale OfferingsOur longtime consumer advocate has mostly positive things to say, but with one big caveat.http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/flash-sales-and-coupons.html?id=9157572&source=rss
edTue, 04 Oct 2011 14:11:34 +0000Free Flights? Award Upgrades? Don't Count on Them for Much LongerUnited's MileagePlus and Continental's OnePass will officially merge soon, but the "program tweaks" that come with it portend even greater frustration ahead for ordinary travelers.http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/united-continental-frequent-flyer-tweaks-not-much-there-for-ordinary-flyers.html?id=9086509&source=rss
edTue, 27 Sep 2011 16:19:13 +0000Google's New Airfare Search SystemIt's no surprise that the powerhouse company that processes over one billion online search requests per day, and has in its possession the recently acquired airfare search system, is delving deeper into the air world. Ed Perkins breaks down Google's new Flight Search?http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/google-new-airfare-search-system.html?id=9015430&source=rss
edTue, 20 Sep 2011 14:13:57 +0000How to Score a Refund on a Nonrefundable TicketAirlines are tweaking their schedules far more often than ever before. Inconvenient? Sure. But there's also a significant upside to all this upheaval, writes Ed Perkins.http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/ed-perkins-schedule-change-curse-or-blessing.html?id=8963295&source=rss
edWed, 14 Sep 2011 15:00:19 +0000Beware of Phony Discount ClaimsNever accept a claim of a discount or percent-off at face value, writes Ed Perkins, because no one is actually policing those claims. Find out what you should be doing to make sure those discounts deliver real savings.http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/beware-phony-discount-claims.html?id=8878358&source=rss
edWed, 07 Sep 2011 14:25:50 +0000What to Do If a Hurricane Threatens Your TripYou can't plan for Hurricane Irene any more, but the hurricane season is just beginning and you can plan for the next one. Ed Perkins tells you how to "stay in charge" of your cancelation rights the next time a storm threatens to disrupt your plans.http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/what-are-your-rights-if-hurricane-threatens-your-trip.html?id=8793851&source=rss
edTue, 30 Aug 2011 09:43:23 +0000New Consumer Rights Virtually Worthless?The DOT's new consumer rules are "far from adequate," writes expert columnist Ed Perkins. But another less-heralded protection is likely to have a much bigger impact. Find out why.http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/new-consumer-rights-go-into-effect.html?id=8747857&source=rss
edWed, 24 Aug 2011 09:21:51 +0000Shop the Flash Sites - But CarefullyFlash sales are the current big thing in travel deals. You have a very short time to buy the deal, but it's usually good over several weeks to months. And some of the deals are really good, though with some caveats.http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/shop-the-flash-sites-mdash-but-carefully.html?id=8690884&source=rss
edWed, 17 Aug 2011 13:59:22 +0000One Giant Leap for Travel Search? Big Improvements Are on the WayIf you haven't been paying attention to the latest changes happening in the world of travel search, you're missing some giant leaps forward. Travel expert Ed Perkins weighs in on significant advancements being made by several major search sites.http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/rail-and-premium-economy-rates-now-available-from-online-travel-agencies.html?id=8629418&source=rss
edWed, 10 Aug 2011 16:58:44 +0000Flash Sale Websites Going StrongWith no end in sight, Ed Perkins updates his listing up to more than a dozen flash sale sites. As long as the suppliers are willing to offer cut-rate prices, keep seeking the deals.http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/flash-sale-websites-going-strong.html?id=8564118&source=rss
edWed, 03 Aug 2011 18:25:56 +0000Two New Airline Credit Cards With Major PerksAmerican and United have announced new credit cards that earn mileage in the sponsoring line's frequent flyer program. Ed Perkins reviews them both.http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/two-new-airline-credit-cards-with-major-perks.html?id=8484805&source=rss
edTue, 26 Jul 2011 14:29:48 +0000Ed Perkins: Buy a Ticket, Price Drops - Can You Recoup?Consumer travel expert Ed Perkins weighs in on the elusive "best price guarantee" and lays out your options for snagging a (partial) refund.http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/buy-ticket-price-drops-can-you-recoup.html?id=8481797&source=rss
edTue, 26 Jul 2011 13:39:38 +0000More Airline Tricks and How to Avoid ThemAll tickets are not created equal. Ed Perkins shows you how to deal with air travel problems you never imagined you could have.http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/more-airline-tricks-and-how-to-avoid-them.html?id=8371992&source=rss
edThu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000Should You Transfer or Keep American Express Points?If you're sitting on a batch of American Express Membership Rewards points, two key deadlines are approaching.http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/should-you-transfer-or-keep-american-express-points.html?id=8305837&source=rss
edThu, 07 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000Private Sale Websites Are Growing FastDiscounts from advertised rates are usually around 30 percent, but occasionally go much higher. The purchase window is usually no longer than a week and sometimes even shorter.http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/private-sale-websites-are-growing-fast.html?id=8236711&source=rss
edWed, 29 Jun 2011 09:21:58 +0000JetBlue Adds New Perk, New FeeExpert Ed Perkins says that as long as airlines can dream up new fees, they'll add new fees. And they'll probably try to figure out new ways to merchandise the old fees, too.http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/new-perk-new-fee.html?id=8176961&source=rss
edThu, 23 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000Taming High Destination CostsYou've snagged a great deal for your trip, now your challenge is to tame the day-to-day costs of living, sightseeing, and entertainment wherever you're heading. Ed Perkins offers suggestions on how to cut costs once you've arrived.http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/taming-high-destination-costs.html?id=8098427&source=rss
edThu, 16 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000Expedia Ties Up With Groupon - Are More Good Deals Coming?Expedia clearly wants to strengthen its position as a primary "go-to" source for all things travel, and Groupon's coupons add another option for consumers.http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/expedia-ties-up-with-groupon-are-more-good-deals-coming.html?id=8025847&source=rss
edThu, 09 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000Are Mobile Devices Now Travel Essentials?Smartphones have quickly established an extremely important place in the overall scheme of travel. Ed Perkins shows you how to use your device more productively.http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/are-mobile-devices-now-travel-essentials.html?id=7958688&source=rss
edThu, 02 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0000Travelers' Rights in EuropeIf you're heading for Europe this summer (which many of you will do, despite high airfares) you should know that you have quite a few rights, including some that are better than those you enjoy here at home.http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/travelers-rights-in-europe.html?id=7893903&source=rss
edThu, 26 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000Best Economy-Class Seats, Worst Airline Fee ScamAs long as the traveling public buys by price over other factors, Ed Perkins says, you'll get the smallest seats and highest fees airlines think they can give you.http://www.smartertravel.com/travel-advice/consumers-to-airlines-we-hate-airline-fees-tight-seats.html?id=7816103&source=rss
edThu, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000